Soho Theatre (studio)
60 (length)
21 January 2025 (released)
22 January 2025
Glamrou: Drag Mother brings vibrant energy and camp theatrics to the Soho Theatre, blending comedy, live music, and heartfelt storytelling. Amrou Al-Kadhi, as their fearless drag persona Glamrou, delivers a bold and self-aware performance that is frequently hilarious and deeply personal.
Based on their memoir Life as a Unicorn, the show explores the turbulent relationship between Amrou and their mother. Glamrou portrays both characters in identical drag, navigating themes of queer identity, generational trauma, and the expectations of Muslim womanhood. These weighty topics are tackled with sharp wit, absurd humour, and moments of striking vulnerability.
A standout moment is Glamrou’s playful reimagining of a well-known song, injecting it with random lyrics that had the audience in fits of laughter. Their comedic timing and knack for embracing absurdity bring a lively unpredictability to the performance, further enhanced by inspired choices like casting their mother as a Disney-style villain.
The emotional heart of the show lies in the revelation that Glamrou’s mother’s rejection stemmed from envy: “It’s awful being a woman. I am so jealous that you were born a man…and you’ve wasted it dressing like a woman.” This moment offers a powerful and thought-provoking insight into their relationship, adding depth amidst the chaos.
Glamrou: Drag Mother is bold, camp, and unapologetic, blending humour and vulnerability with a unique voice. While it occasionally falters in balancing its tones, it remains an entertaining and thought-provoking piece that lingers in the mind.
Photo credit: Harry Carr
